Wireless 430EX

[nickbunyun]

Hey!

I wanna go wireless with my XSI and 430ex..

1. I don't have money for pocketwizards

I was one click away from getting the Cactus v2s, but according to many posts on this forum, it has serious problems with 430ex... they said that v4 has fixed some problems. but still i cant really find many online to buy.

What do you guys recommend ?

So far i saw some good stuff about ctr-301 stuff..

but what should i worry about?

[jeromego]

Alienbee Cybersync (http://alienbees.com/remotes.html), a lot cheaper than PW and works flawlessly.

[nickbunyun]

well a CTR-301P is $40... trigger and 2 receivers..

alienbee are around 60-80 for each trigger and receiver...

[jeromego]

well a CTR-301P is $40... trigger and 2 receivers..

alienbee are around 60-80 for each trigger and receiver...

but they are not as reliable as cybersync.

[Roy G. Biv]

I started out with the cheapo ebay ones.. Four months passed and I just bought the cybersyncs. I think I paid around $225 for 1 transmitter and 2 receivers. I wish I never bought the ebay ones now.

[nickbunyun]

I don't have $200 bucks to spend on these wireless.
I wanna get something cheap for wireless, and get another flash (i believe the 285hv go for around $80)

I want to experience a little bit, see if for me wireless is right.
Is it a pain to move around flashes? are the pics really worth it ? etc...

[bizzum]

Try these (http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.28511). They are new, operate on the 2.4GHZ band, and get rave reviews. I ordered 2 sets for DX and am just waiting for them to come in. I have read a bunch of reviews and people are reporting almost no misfires, and for $60 shipped should fit your budget.

[jeromego]

Try these (http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.28511). They are new, operate on the 2.4GHZ band, and get rave reviews. I ordered 2 sets for DX and am just waiting for them to come in. I have read a bunch of reviews and people are reporting almost no misfires, and for $60 shipped should fit your budget.
I think that's a remote shutter trigger and not a flash trigger.

Edit: or is it both?

[qadsan]

I think that's a remote shutter trigger and not a flash trigger.

Edit: or is it both?

They're both depending on how its used. If you put the transmitter on the camera and the receiver on the flash, then it will trigger the flash. If you put the receiver on the camera, then the transmitter will trigger the camera and a half press of the button on the transmitter works just like a half press on the shutter button. The half press on the transmitter is well defined so you can tell the difference between a half and full press of this button. You can also put the receiver on the camera and connect the flash to the transmitter with a cable. Now you can trigger both the camera and the flash remotely,

This system has worked VERY well for me. No misfires, 1/250 sync on my XD series cameras, uses common batteries, receiver has a switch to power it off so your batteries don't drain, fairly good build quality, very reliable even at 100+ foot distance, both Tx & Rx are small and sleek, etc. And it comes with all the cables you'll need, all for $30 delivered.

The only downside I can think of is there's no ETTL, but I don't know of another product that can touch it for even twice this price. Google '"RF-602" and you'll find plenty to read about this product.

I'm not to familiar with the 430ex, but I do not believe it has a photo sensor that would allow it to work auto mode when used off camera. For a system like this, it might be best to try a photo-sensor / thyristor type flash such as the Vivatar 285 or Lumopro LP120 or a Metz 54MZ or an older Nikon flash, etc. The Canon 580EX II has a sensor for auto external mode, but 580EX II's don't come cheap.

Another option is to buy the Canon ST-E2 which would allow you to use the 430EX off camera in ETTL. The only downside is range which is limited, especially in bright light. But it's a great option and you can sometimes find good used ST-E2's on eBay or Craigslist for under $100. Another option is a used 550EX flash (insead of a ST-E2) which can be used as your master to trigger the 430EX. I've seen used 550EX's sell for well under $200 at times, but a ST-E2 would be your most cost effective option for retaining ETTL without wires.

And yet another option is to simply buy a good quality off camera cord so you can use your 430ex off camera and retain ETTL. Be careful about buying cords because quality can and does vary and a bad cord can lead to a very frustrating experience. I've often seen FlashZebra recommended as a source for good quality cords at good prices and here's their link for ETTL off camera cords...

http://www.flashzebra.com/ttlcords/ettlcords/index.shtml


If it starts raining money, then look at the Radio Poppers as they're going to give you the best range and reliability if ETTL is important to you.

[egordon99]

Try these (http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.28511). They are new, operate on the 2.4GHZ band, and get rave reviews. I ordered 2 sets for DX and am just waiting for them to come in. I have read a bunch of reviews and people are reporting almost no misfires, and for $60 shipped should fit your budget.

Can you buy an extra receiver by itself? Those look pretty interesting.

[alabama1980]

If you don't have the money for Cybersyncs, wait until you do. Believe me when I say that if you get hooked on wireless you will upgrade your triggers. Almost every post you see in the "Classifieds: Sell" section for eBay triggers have in the description that they are selling due to upgrade, and 9/10 it's to Cybersyncs.

If you have to have something now, get you a sync cord until you can get some good triggers. That will let you get the general idea of off camera flash.

And as far as your question...yes....the pics are well worth getting that flash off your camera....it opens up tons of options with your lighting.

[JayCee Images]

If you don't have the money for Cybersyncs, wait until you do. Believe me when I say that if you get hooked on wireless you will upgrade your triggers. Almost every post you see in the "Classifieds: Sell" section for eBay triggers have in the description that they are selling due to upgrade, and 9/10 it's to Cybersyncs.

If you have to have something now, get you a sync cord until you can get some good triggers. That will let you get the general idea of off camera flash.

And as far as your question...yes....the pics are well worth getting that flash off your camera....it opens up tons of options with your lighting.

Good advice!!

[Vermin87]

Good advice!!

I second this. I went for the ebay ones. Sold it within a few weeks. Later moved up to Skyports, and now I have almost $1k worth in radiopoppers. Just go for the good stuff. don't settle. Your resale will be higher with the cybersyncs.

[50D Newbe]

Just a little off topic sorry.

I just bought 580exII. Could somone give me the model numbers (cybersync) that work together.

Thanks

[jeromego]

Just a little off topic sorry.

I just bought 580exII. Could somone give me the model numbers (cybertronic) that work together.

Thanks

You mean Cybersync, right?

You can get the CST transmitter (http://alienbees.com/cybersync.html#cst) and a CSRB receiver (http://alienbees.com/cybersync.html#csrb) for your 580EXII

[50D Newbe]

yes thank you Ill edit...

Thank you for the info

[nickbunyun]

one quick Question... can the 430ex be triggered by another flash ?
like light sensor ?

i know i can do it with SOME of the wireless...

[jeromego]

one quick Question... can the 430ex be triggered by another flash ?
like light sensor ?

i know i can do it with SOME of the wireless...
430EX can be triggered by a 580EXII (as master/slave setting).

I think it can also be triggered by another 430EX (not sure about this).

[hecster]

I have the cactus triggers. Buyer beware, as everyone else has already attested to. I have like 35-40% accuracy on a good day. Better reliability with a vivitar 285, but still not 100%. I'm going cybersync.

[Thomas S.]

If you have to have something now, get you a sync cord until you can get some good triggers. That will let you get the general idea of off camera flash.

I just bought a 580EX II and would love to experiment with OCF. If you dont recommend lower priced triggers, what do you recommend for sync cords?

I would guess the drawback with cords is distance. But for the price what would be better, cord or cheap trigger (RF 602)?

On a similar topic (because of the RF 602 bizzum suggested) What about remote shutter triggers for a 40D?

Sorry, dont mean to steal the thread.

[jeromego]

I just bought a 580EX II and would love to experiment with OCF. If you dont recommend lower priced triggers, what do you recommend for sync cords?

I would guess the drawback with cords is distance. But for the price what would be better, cord or cheap trigger (RF 602)?

On a similar topic (because of the RF 602 bizzum suggested) What about remote shutter triggers for a 40D?

Sorry, dont mean to steal the thread.
You'll need something like THIS (http://flashzebra.com/fivemetersync/0032.shtml)

[Vermin87]

430EX can be triggered by a 580EXII (as master/slave setting).

I think it can also be triggered by another 430EX (not sure about this).

The 430ex can only be triggered by a 5xx series (550, 580 I/II) or by the ST-E2 (as far as canon products are concerned)

[jeromego]

The 430ex can only be triggered by a 5xx series (550, 580 I/II) or by the ST-E2 (as far as canon products are concerned)
That's what I thought. thanks for clearing that up.

[chris21908]

Alienbee Cybersync (http://alienbees.com/remotes.html), a lot cheaper than PW and works flawlessly.


I COMPLETELY AGREE! the cybersyncs are flawless and much cheaper. i could barely afford these at the time of purchase but was well worth the buy!

[DrewHill]

I’m sorta in the same situation. XSi and 430EX II. Interested in experimenting with off camera flash. I'm also going to use it for Product photography for internet sales. Mostly Clothing on mannequins using a black or white backdrop.
Right now I’m thinking of going with the RF602’s or the CyberSync to trigger the 430EX II. I’m also now considering the the Adorama Flashpoint 160 Watt budget studio moonlight flash basic kit.

Do you all think I’d need this Flashpoint Budget Studio Kit? Or will 1 430EX II enough?
If I end up getting the Flashpoint. Any suggestions on how to set things up?
Any advise would be appreciated.

[cookey]

You mean Cybersync, right?

You can get the CST transmitter (http://alienbees.com/cybersync.html#cst) and a CSRB receiver (http://alienbees.com/cybersync.html#csrb) for your 580EXII

I am looking at getting the above mentioned cybersyns as i hve 4 canon flashes.Do the cybersyncs just click on & as long as they are all on the same channels will fire.
I use ST-E2 at the moment but if the flash is behind the model have misfires & looking for something that will fire the flash hidden by the subject,

[jeromego]

I am looking at getting the above mentioned cybersyns as i hve 4 canon flashes.Do the cybersyncs just click on & as long as they are all on the same channels will fire.
I use ST-E2 at the moment but if the flash is behind the model have misfires & looking for something that will fire the flash hidden by the subject,
that's correct!

you get misfires with your STE2 because it communicates via IR which needs a line of sight. with the cybersync, it uses radio signal.

[egordon99]

I’m sorta in the same situation. XSi and 430EX II. Interested in experimenting with off camera flash. I'm also going to use it for Product photography for internet sales. Mostly Clothing on mannequins using a black or white backdrop.
Right now I’m thinking of going with the RF602’s or the CyberSync to trigger the 430EX II. I’m also now considering the the Adorama Flashpoint 160 Watt budget studio moonlight flash basic kit.

Do you all think I’d need this Flashpoint Budget Studio Kit? Or will 1 430EX II enough?
If I end up getting the Flashpoint. Any suggestions on how to set things up?
Any advise would be appreciated.

I'd say buy one radio trigger for the 430EXII (I think you'll need a hotshoe adapter with the 1/8" miniplug) and a light stand/umbrella. This might have enough power for your needs.

Then you can decide if you want the strobes, you already have the stand/umbrella and trigger.

I'm currently starting with my one 430EXII on a light stand with an umbrella (triggered with my 580EXII for now) and I'm having a blast. Next step is radio triggers so I can use both speedlights off camera. Followed by proper strobes IF I decide I need the extra power.

[hecster]

I was looking at my camera and flash, and it looks like neither my 430exII nor my vivitar 285hv have the plugs for pc cord. Looks like i'll have to pick up a couple of those as well?

http://www.flashzebra.com/products/0135/index.shtml

or

http://www.flashzebra.com/products/0128/index.shtml

Which one would i need for my 430exII?

[jeromego]

I was looking at my camera and flash, and it looks like neither my 430exII nor my vivitar 285hv have the plugs for pc cord. Looks like i'll have to pick up a couple of those as well?

http://www.flashzebra.com/products/0135/index.shtml

or

http://www.flashzebra.com/products/0128/index.shtml

Which one would i need for my 430exII?

are you going to be triggering your flash with a sync cord? either of those 2 will do

EDIT: if triggering with a wireless device...then this is (http://www.flashzebra.com/products/0115/index.shtml) what you should get

[lukeap69]

@ OP

Don't be dissuaded by those who diss CTR-301P. They are different from the Cactus V2's. I have been using them for about a year now and have NEVER failed me.

I have purchased the new triggers from YN the RF-602. They are both flash triggers and remote control and so far I am very impressed especially with the range - more than 100m from my test with no problem.

They have also the ability to wake your flash in standby mode by half shutter press from the camera. I am not sure if the cybersyncs can do this?

[jeromego]

@ OP

Don't be dissuaded by those who diss CTR-301P. They are different from the Cactus V2's. I have been using them for about a year now and have NEVER failed me.

I have purchased the new triggers from YN the RF-602. They are both flash triggers and remote control and so far I am very impressed especially with the range - more than 100m from my test with no problem.

They have also the ability to wake your flash in standby mode by half shutter press from the camera. I am not sure if the cybersyncs can do this?

This is pretty interesting. have you tried with a speedlite that goes into auto off mode, (i.e. 540EZ)?

[DrewHill]

I'd say buy one radio trigger for the 430EXII (I think you'll need a hotshoe adapter with the 1/8" miniplug) and a light stand/umbrella. This might have enough power for your needs.

Then you can decide if you want the strobes, you already have the stand/umbrella and trigger.

I'm currently starting with my one 430EXII on a light stand with an umbrella (triggered with my 580EXII for now) and I'm having a blast. Next step is radio triggers so I can use both speedlights off camera. Followed by proper strobes IF I decide I need the extra power.

Thanks for the reply. Few additional questions.
If i purchase either Radio Poppers, YN RF602's, or CyberSync. For which triggering kit would I need the Hotshoe adapter for? I'm assuming NOT the YN RF602's right? As both Tx & Rx have hot shoe mounts? i've never really seen or read much about Radio Poppers or CyberSync. I really want thing as simple as possible w/o using any other adapters etc. to trigger the Speedlite.

Also, can a 430EX II trigger another 430EX II? or only a 580EX II can trigger a 430EX II?

[jeromego]

Thanks for the reply. Few additional questions.
If i purchase either Radio Poppers, YN RF602's, or CyberSync. For which triggering kit would I need the Hotshoe adapter for? I'm assuming NOT the YN RF602's right? As both Tx & Rx have hot shoe mounts? i've never really seen or read much about Radio Poppers or CyberSync. I really want thing as simple as possible w/o using any other adapters etc. to trigger the Speedlite.

Also, can a 430EX II trigger another 430EX II? or only a 580EX II can trigger a 430EX II?

cybersync.

No, it cannot. a 580EXII can

[lukeap69]

This is pretty interesting. have you tried with a speedlite that goes into auto off mode, (i.e. 540EZ)?

I don't have that flash. Only tested with 580EX II, 430EX and SB-28.

[cookey]

I have one 580EX & three 430EX,do i need to get hotshoe adaptors also for the cybersyncs?

cheers for any replys

[jeromego]

I have one 580EX & three 430EX,do i need to get hotshoe adaptors also for the cybersyncs?

cheers for any replys
I think you do , coz your speedlites don't have pc sync ports.